NRL Round 16 latest odds, statistics and free match tips

THERE weren’t many surprises in the NRL last week, the Cowboys extended their winning streak, the Broncos stamped their authority over the Storm and the Roosters overcame an error-ridden Dragons side.

Now, every single Round 16 game has great importance and it kicks off this Friday with a double-header involving the Broncos vs. Knights and Rabbitohs vs. the Sea Eagles, with both Newcastle and Manly desperate to improve in order to avoid the wooden spoon.

The action then heads across to New Zealand where the Warriors will take on the Raiders. Later that night the Cowboys will be trying to extend their record-breaking winning streak against the Sharks up in in Queensland, before the spotlight shines back on NSW when Parramatta go up against the Dragons.

Sunday will see two good matches with the Roosters set to go up against the Titans and the Tigers to do battle with the Panthers. The week will end on Monday night when the Bulldogs take on the Storm which will be aiming to bounce back from their recent loss to the ladder leading Broncos.

To help you find the winners of all the matches we have a full preview of each game complete with the latest news, team information and the best betting odds available.

With some terrific games ahead there is plenty of money to be made, so check out Sportsbet.com.au’s Rabbitohs vs. Sea Eagles first tryscorer special.

Broncos vs. Knights

Friday, June 26, 7:45pm, Suncorp Stadium

Broncos – $1.17 (-14.5)
Knights – $5.15 (+14.5)

The first of the Friday night double header looks to be a tad one-sided as the table-topping Broncos take on the Knights which are looking to avoid the wooden spoon.

The Broncos held off a very game Melbourne Storm team last week and facing the Knights will be massive step down in class.

The Knights blew a handy lead against the Sharks last week in a game they should have put to bed. They have the team on paper to compete with the Broncos, but this game should be one-way traffic.

The points start line of 14.5 is very high, so stick with the head-to-head option for multi-bets.

Cowboys vs. Sharks

The North Queensland Cowboys have strung together a franchise record number of wins, but the bookmakers aren’t giving them much respect against the Sharks.

There is plenty of value with their head-to-head price of $1.51 and it should be a multi-bet inclusion.

The Sharks are coming off a nice come-from-behind win against the Knights, but the quality of opposition wasn’t up to the standards of the Cowboys.

The -5.5 line looks a touch close for our liking, but the Cowboys should continue on their winning way at home and the price looks juicy.

Tip: Cowboys to win ($1.51) at Sportsbet.com.au
Exotic: Under 40.5 points at $1.90

Eels vs. Dragons

Saturday, June 27, 7:35pm, Pirtek Stadium

Eels – $2.25 (+3.5)
Dragons – $1.65 (-3.5)

No one really knows what to expect from the Eels, but they have been a tough team to beat at home this season and they are well rested coming off a bye.

The Dragons didn’t quite look the same last week against the Roosters. Their halves pairing of Benji Marshall and Gareth Widdop made far too many mistakes with their kicking game and that could bite them against a counterattacking Eels team.

All things being equal, the Dragons should come away with the two points, but the Eels improve significantly at Pirtek Stadium and they could give the Dragons their second straight loss.

Tip: Eels +3.5 at $1.91
Exotic: Radradra to score first ($7) at CrownBet.com.au

Roosters vs. Titans

Sunday, June 28, 2:05pm, Central Coast Stadium

Roosters – $1.13 (-16.5)
Titans – $6 (+16.5)

As the points start line suggests, the Roosters are expected to beat the Gold Coast Titans by a handy margin and we’re thinking along the same lines.

The Roosters looked like potential premiership winners when beating the Dragons 19-14 last week and the Titans looked like cellar-dwellers last week against the Warriors.

The 16.5 line is the biggest of the week and the largest for some time in the NRL, but this could cover by halftime if the Roosters are on their game.